New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science receives Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Monday, August 6, 2007 6:00 PM

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science has received a Museums for America Grant in the amount of $143, 957 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS Director, Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, announced the 2007 Museums for America grant recipients, the nation's largest federal funding program for museums. Museums of all types, from art to zoos, 158 in all, will share $17.4 million in grant funding. Recipients will match the federal funds with an additional $30.1 million. Nationwide, 414 museums-urban and rural, large and small-competed for grants, requesting over $41.9 million.

"Museums for America grants invest in our nation's communities by supporting museums as active resources for lifelong learning, cultural heritage, and community engagement," said Radice. "The programs and activities these grants support include hands-on educational programs, innovative uses of technology, and ground-breaking partnerships. All help to strengthen museum services and improve communities."

The Museum project, titled "Albuquerque Celebra la Ciencia" will use the grant funds to develop a coalition of educational institutions around the city to plan and implement Family Days at museums and other informal learning sites. The goal of of the Family Days will be to increase awareness of educational resources and science literacy for Hispanic families. Albuquerque Celebra la Ciencia will increase opportunities for Hispanic families to participate in informal science activities through the establishment of a coalition of interested organizations in the Albuquerque community.